- The 2010s saw the release of numerous exciting and futuristic concept cars.
- Automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini all contributed experimental vehicles that are sure to have an influence on the future of the auto industry.
- We narrowed it down to nine specific concept cars that either captured our imaginations or left us truly blown away.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Following is a transcript of the video.
AJ Caldwell: Concept cars. Built by automakers for a variety of reasons, from previewing upcoming vehicles to flaunting new technology, they're a major part of the auto industry and easily one of our favorites. As expected, the 2010s were filled with loads of incredible concepts that got car enthusiasts excited for what the future of driving might look like. Here are nine from the past decade that we definitely think are worth a second look...and maybe a third and fourth while you're at it.
First up is 2017's Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet. The 20-foot all-electric drop-top can best be described as a yacht on wheels. With a driving range of 200 miles, a power train capable of 750 horsepower, and a gorgeous rear end that Mercedes deemed its "boat tail," this battery-powered convertible coupe is what we can only dream the future of electric vehicles holds. The high-tech interior even features a lavish wooden floor laced with aluminum inlays to really make you feel like you're in a car meant for the high seas. This concept car is luxury on top of luxury on top of luxury.
Next is 2016's BMW Vision Next 100. If self-driving cars are the future, this could be what they look like for high-end-car buyers. The concept incorporates something called "alive geometry" into its exterior and the way its frame adapts as the car changes direction. One look at how the wheels turn and you really might get the impression it's...alive? Plus it gives drivers the option of sitting back and catching some shut-eye or taking control of the wheel themselves. While this car might be 100, maybe 200, years ahead of its time, it's still exciting to see what an automaker like BMW fantasizes about.
What do you get when you mix the Italian automaker synonymous with exotic cars with a bunch of engineers from MIT? The third most mind-blowing concept of the decade, the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio. Its name translates to "third millennium," and this beast definitely looks like a futuristic supercar straight out of a sci-fi movie. Besides four high-powered electric motors that source electricity from supercapacitators, it has a body made out of a special type of carbon fiber that stores electricity and heals itself if it detects small cracks are forming...What?!
At No. 4, we have 2018's Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow. Who doesn't like showing some love for racing history? This breathtaking one-seater may look like an electric supercar from the distant future, but it's really meant as an homage to 1937's W125 Silver Arrow that won the European Championship race. While the auto industry may have its eyes set on autonomy, those who still enjoy driving can definitely appreciate this lightning-fast concept.
Our fifth concept of the decade is 2015's Buick Avista. Built on the same platform as the Chevy Camaro and Cadillac ATS-V, this car isn't a pick because of any futuristic styling or mind-blowing technology. It was just an awesome sports coupe that got everyone hyped about the name Buick for the first time in a long time...or maybe ever? Although car buyers anticipated hearing when the Avista would be hitting factory lines, unfortunately, Buick announced that it would remain only a concept and was meant strictly as a "design study." Talk about a tease.
Next up is the 2015 Toyota S-FR, another very cool concept car that left car enthusiasts asking, "What the heck?" when Toyota announced it wouldn't be reaching production. No, it doesn't have the badge of a luxury automaker, but it was an exciting entry-level sports car that buyers thought was sure to hit showrooms in the future. Unfortunately, it was earlier this year that Toyota finally confirmed that this well-received turbocharged automobile would never make it into the company's lineup.
At No. 7, we have 2018's Aston Martin Lagonda Vision. Featuring lush carpets, seat backs made of handwoven wool, and an absurd amount of legroom, this concept car is the definition of mega-luxury. While we're still excited for the much tamer production version scheduled for 2021, we're hoping this could still be the car that pulls up when you order an Uber Black 50 years from now.
No. 8 is 2019's Volkswagen ID Buggy. This concept is the ultimate proof that EVs can be fun. Part of Volkswagen's newly introduced ID family, this model most likely won't see production like several of its sister vehicles, but it still shows off the brand's new all-electric platform. And with those all-terrain tires and that funky-looking waterproof cabin, who doesn't look at this buggy and want to take it for a spin through the sand dunes?
And finally, at No. 9, we have 2018's Audi e-Tron GT. Well known for being Tony Stark's choice of ride, the e-Tron GT is Audi's take on the all-electric grand-touring segment. Built on the same platform as its sister brand Porsche's upcoming Taycan, this battery-powered speed demon makes up to 590 horsepower and sprints from 0 to 60 in about 3.5 seconds. Best of all, you can expect to see this baby hitting factory lines sometime in the next few years. Thank God for concept cars that reach production!
And that's it! The nine most mind-blowing concept cars of the 2010s. This past decade we saw a wide range of concept cars that gave us plenty to be excited about for the auto industry's near and distant future. While we're extra excited for the ones slated to hit showrooms in the upcoming years, even the concepts destined to remain in car museums are sure to have an influence on what we one day might see on public roads.
